West Island H1N1 influenza vaccinations

In the next little while, two vaccination centres will be open to the public; the first will be situated at Allancroft school, 265, rue Allancroft in Beaconsfield and the second, at Spring Garden school, 175 rue Sonata (entrance on Saturn St.) in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

Vaccinations will be FREE and will be available WITHOUT APPOINTMENT. However, the order of priority for all groups will be announced in media on an ongoing basis; in newspapers, on radio, television and on municipal electronic billboards.

West Islanders may also obtain specific information on which location they should go to by consulting the HSSC Internet at www.santemontreal.qc.ca which is updated daily.

The A(H1N1) influenza vaccination program will get underway on Oct. 26. The first group of people who will be targeted are health care network personnel and first respondents: fire fighters and emergency medical technicians. Vaccinations will continue until Nov. 6 for those at risk, such as pregnant women and children. The exact time and location of these vaccinations will be determined over the next few days.

Two vaccination centres will be opened on November 16 for persons younger than age 65 and with chronic medical conditions. Following this date, all other persons who want to be vaccinated may do so.

A(H1N1) influenza vaccinations WILL NOT be conducted in CLSCs.

If you wish to speak to a nurse concerning the vaccine, please contact Info-Santé by dialing 8-1-1.

Please note that the vaccination campaign for the seasonal flu has moved to mid-January 2010.

Some 218,000 people live in the West Island. Public Health hopes to vaccinate 75% of the population.